March 11th, 2011
On December 4, 2010 the Grossman Family from Woodbury, New York held their daughter Lindsay’s Bat Mitzvah service and reception at Woodbury Jewish Center. Since the Bat Mitzvah was during Hanukkah, they were able to light the Menorah candles.
All party photography was done by Neil Bloom.
Pictured L-F: Brother Alex, Mom Nancy, Bat Mitzvah girl Lindsay, Dad David and younger sister Chelsea.
The rest of the Mitzvah vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Since Lindsay’s Bat Mitzvah was during Hanukkah, they lit Menorah candles as part of the service which made it extra special.
The beautiful lavender and silver custom invitation is from Robin’s Writes and Invites.
As you can see below, it was “Lindsay’s Snow Ball” for her celebration! Mitzvah Mom Nancy wanted a surprise for the young guests and together with Danae from Stefan’s Florist, they came up with the idea for a small skating rink! Interactive Entertainment Concepts made it happen and although it took two hours to assemble while guests were enjoying the service and cocktail hour, the kids loved it!
Lindsay checking out the ice
IEC provided the ice skates for the young guests
Stefan’s Florist created a beautiful shadowbox containing a picture of Lindsay as a child and her Bat Mitzvah invitation and it was used as her sign-in board!
Her guests signed in with a sharpie
Many other elements of a winter wonderland were incorporated into the theme.
Sparkly silver linens with white feathers
A large glittered “L”
Signage at the entrance…
And above the bar
Comfy fuzzy white couches
Table Wraps provided beautiful ice blue linens for the elegant centerpieces
Party Harty Entertainment provided the music with MC Joey making sure everyone had a great time.
Lindsay “makes her entrance”
Bat Mitzvah girl Lindsay having fun!
The favors for the young guests were coordinated with the theme and created by And That.
Lindsay holding up her hooded sweatshirt favor with the date of her party done in silver, ice blue and snowflakes
Here’s the back
The bags with matching stickers
The family together in front of Lindsay’s beautiful cake from Morrell Caterers.
A candy set-up was provided for all the guests!
Candy anyone?
Mitzvah Mom Nancy has some advice: “Make sure you enjoy spending this special planning time with your child. It is a good opportunity to spend quality 1:1 time so you don’t want to waste it by stressing out. Don’t lose perspective and remember that you want it to me a memorable night for your family, not a circus.”
For Lindsay’s Mitzvah project, she and her friend sold gourmet lollipops to raise money for the Jewish National Fund. They raised over $500 to plant trees, improve the water supply, and provide items to the Israeli army.
Here is a list of the Mitzvah vendors who helped make Lindsay’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: Woodbury Jewish Center 516-496-9100
Caterer: Morrell Caterers 516 496-9100
Party Planner/Florist: Danae, Stefan’s Florist 516-569-0300
DJ/MC: Joey, Party Harty Entertainment 516- 845-8585
Photographer/Videographer: Photography by Neal Bloom, 516 -364-9222
Favors: And That 516-364-9222
Party Entertainment: Glice Ice Skating Rink Interactive Entertainment Concepts 631-694-5988
Photo Favors: The Main Event: 800-839-0918
Invitations: Robin’s Writes and Invites 516-822-5108
Linens: Table Wraps 516-334-8833
Shadow Box: Danae at Stefan’s Florist
Cake: Morrell Caterers
Dresses For Girls Lindsay/Chelsea: Outrageous Boutique 516-931-3331
Dress for Mom Nancy: Mieka 516-367-8755
Suit for brother Alex: Kenny’s 516-921-2660
Suit for Dad David: Marsh’s 631-423-1660
Hair: NV Salon 631-271-2111
Make-Up: Natural Style Cosmetics Marianne Naturalstyle@aol.com 631-944-6184
March 9th, 2011
The Rofe Family celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Kara on December 4, 2010. They belong to Temple Beth Torah in Dix Hills, New York and the ceremony was performed by Rabbi Gellman, one half of the God Squad.
The reception was held during the day at the nightclub Glo in Westbury, New York. They decided to go for a fun, festive atmosphere.
All party photography was done by Double G. All vendor information is at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Diane, Bat Mitzvah girl Kara, brother Aaron and Dad Roger.
The day began with the service at Temple Beth Torah.
Kara and her family standing proudly on the Bimah
As usual, we girls spent the day getting ready and the guys just throw on a suit!
No stress here, Kara’s just relaxing by reading a book while she gets her hair done before the service
Kara striking a pretty pose – her beautiful navy dress from Nikki’s Dressing Room where Mom Diane loved the selection and service
An important day for little brother Aaron too…his first suit which was purchased at Nordstrom
Bat Mitzvah girl Kara loves art and her parents say she is a wonderful artist. They decided the perfect theme would be to have an “Art Mitzvah.” Kara wanted to concentrate on Pop Art so they infused this “Andy Warhol” style in the invitations and decorations.
The front of the invitation by Darlene Barzilay
Great personalized RSVP card featured a new trend, using your name within the RSVP selection
Color coordinated yarmulkes await guests at the service
The Rofes felt that their venue, Glo didn’t need much in the way of decor and kept it simple by placing some pop art posters throughout the club. Rick from Image Graphics created a large six foot poster and the hearts sign-in board, which greeted guests when they arrived.
Check out some of the posters in the background of this photo above
Rick from Image Graphics created this sign that greeted all of the Rofes guests
Image Graphics also created Kara’s colorful sign-in poster
Howard from Gotham T-shirts created the artwork below that was used on the favors for Kara’s young guests.
Kara’s artwork for her t-shirt favors
Carl Hartman of Green Cheese Media created an amazing celebrity “shout out” entrance video for Kara.
The video included some of Kara’s favorite celebrities like Tom Cruise, The Simpsons, The Griffiths from Family Guy, Justin Bieber and Julia Roberts. All their guests were impressed!
Check it out here.
The family used Double G with Ricky as their MC for their music entertainment.
Kara making her entrance with MC Ricky G from Double G
Some family fun
Girls just wanna have fun!
Kara’s Mitzvah cake was made up of all her favorite candy!
This cake from Sweet Candy Cakes is always a hit
Anya Taylor Favors created personalized water bottles with Kara’s picture.
Water bottle label
Custom “Kara” water bottles were given to guests
Mitzvah Mom Diane has this advice for our readers: “Organization is key. I kept very neat files. I also got a lot of great sit down information, advice and ideas from Mitzvah Market! If you think you need one more thing to make it special, you don’t. The kids will always have a nice time. I recommend not to overdo it with the candy giveaways. The kids go crazy. It is like demons take over their bodies. I spent so much time at the party worrying that the lines were too long, or if people liked the food, or the music, that I did not enjoy it nearly as much as I should have. I stressed out about stupid stuff and I could have had a nicer time, especially when I put so much effort to make this special.”
More advice from Mitzvah Mom Diane, “I would avoid the disposable cameras. I thought I would get some cute, spontaneous shots, but instead, I got pictures of some boys butts. They took the camera into the boys room and dropped their pants and someone snapped away. I cannot make this stuff up!”
Several of the Rofe’s family members have been afflicted by Alzheimer’s Disease. So Kara donated a portion of her gifts to research through alz.org.
Here is a list of vendors who made Kara’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any, please let them know that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Glo 516-704-8022
Music Entertainement/PartyPlanner: Double G Productions of NY Starlight Express MC: Ricky G
Favors: Howard, Gotham Tshirts 516-676-0900
Invitations: Darlene Barzilay notesetc1@verizon.net
Calligraphy: Sheryl, Alltype
Cake: Tiffany, Sweet Candy Cakes
Photographer: Double G Productions
Décor/florist/Sign-In board: Rick at Image Graphics
Entrance Video: Carl Hartman, Green Cheese Media
Water Bottles: Anya Taylor Favors sales@anyatylerfavors.com
Disposable cameras: Custom Camera Collection
Bat Mitzvah Girl Dress: Nikki’s Dressing Room
Mom’s Service & Party Dress/Aaron’s suit: Nordstrom
Hair: Cherry from Ideal Haircutters 631-266-9705
Transportation: First Student Transportation
Yarmulkes: Yarmulkes.com
March 9th, 2011
We love everything event planner Mindy Weiss does and have featured her fabulous Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in past Mitzvah Inspire stories: Formula 1 Racing, Around The World Mitzvah, and Watch Out World.
We bumped into Mindy at last year’s Stationery Show and she told us about her son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah. We couldn’t wait to see what she would do. Please see below for her fabulously creative ideas!
For her son Alex’s Bar Mitzvah, Mindy used Beatles’ music, lyrics and personalities to inspire everything from the entrance to the menus and centerpieces to the outrageous decor. With “A little help from her friends”(vendors)…this party really rocked!
As the guests entered the reception they walked on “Penny Lane” next to “Strawberry Fields”
The black and white cocktail hour was designed as the “Octopuses’ Garden”
Hand painted signs directed guests to the main reception
Guests place cards
Albums as charger plates, bracelets as napkin rings along with customized menus
Tables are ready for guests! We love the colorful flowers in the center
The amazing centerpiece flowers were made from 45 records – remember those!
The backdrop at the reception with one extra Beatle!
The overall look of Alex’s Bar Mitzvah ballroom
Close-up of the amazing dance floor
Some centerpieces featured custom lamp shades
Mindy and her son Alex share a special moment
Mindy has more pictures posted on her blog and personally thanks all the Vendors who made this celebration special. Check it all out here.
Congratulations Mindy and thanks for allowing us to share your terrific ideas with our Mitzvah Market readers.
March 5th, 2011
Twin brothers Jake and Jesse Weiner of East Meadow, New York selected a Mitzvah Project because of their younger brother Shane’s condition.
Shane suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect millions of Americans. Psoriasis, a skin disease that causes a red rash most commonly over the elbows, knees, ankles, feet, hands, and other areas.
We spoke with the Weiner brothers to learn more.
MM: What are you calling your Mitzvah Project?
JJW: Our project is called, “Reaching Out to Help Out.”
MM: Please give us details of exactly what your project is about?
JJW: We are collecting toys and books for children who are sick or in the hospital especially the rheumatology department because our little brother Shane gets treated at LIJ/Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY for his Psoriatic Arthritis.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date?
JJW: January, 2011 to March 18, 2011
MM: Please tell us why you decided to take on this Mitzvah Project.
JJW: We want to help out LIJ/Cohen Children’s Medical Center Rheumatology Division. We want to help the children in the hospital where our brother is being treated.
MM: Please tell us what it means to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
JJW: We feel it is important to do nice things for other people without expecting something in return.
MM: Please give us details of exactly what you did?
JJW: We are collecting toys and books for children who are sick or in the hospital especially the rheumatology department.
MM: If it involves a donation what are you doing to spread the word?
JJW: We have created a Facebook Page “Jake and Jesse’s Bar Mitzvah Project.” Letters were sent home to all the Hebrew school students. Notices were put up at schools including the school our mom works in. We are also sending letters to all the guests asking them to bring a new toy or book to our service.
We thank Jake and Jesse Weiner for sharing their generous project with Mitzvah Market and we hope it inspires other children to do something similar! If you are interested in making a contribution, please visit their facebook page.
February 27th, 2011
Let’s admit it, we all watch the award shows (ie: Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Academy Awards) for the fashion and to see who wore what on the red carpet.
For most of us, our red carpet walk is the entrance to our children’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations!
It’s time to listen to what an expert has to say about those must-have fashion fixes that we all need to have on hand for our child’s big day.
The stylist to Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson and Ann Hathaway is expert Rachel Zoe and she has come up 4 “must-haves” that every fashionista must keep close before a walk down the red carpet – which in our case is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
Check out the list below:
Hollywood Fashion Tape – Double Stick Strips
Miss Oops Rescue Sponges
Foot Petals Killer Kushionz
Kate Sommerville Tanning Towelettes
For more fashion advice, check out Rachel Zoe here.
February 26th, 2011
Here is fun a riddle: What does your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration and the Academy Awards have in common?
Answer: Both are considered to be “The party of the year!”
We thought we might dazzle and inspire you with some great decor ideas to let your child be the star of their own production on the day of their celebration!
Put your child and family’s picture in this movie reel from MJ Decorations
Also from MJ Decorations, a walk down the red carpet will feature your child’s face on the mural
Red Carpet Runway provides custom step and repeats and red carpets
Simon Elliot Events creates an entrance video by following Allie to Hollywood for her big premiere!
Watch here
Add a “walk of fame” to your dance floor or entrance with these customized vinyl stars from StumpsParty.com
Create a back stage pass from Shindigz party supply store
Movie star Bar and Bat Mitzvah posters from Low Schmaltz
Adorable clap board seating cards also from Shindigz
Give customized “Oscars” from GotParty.com to guests during the candle lighting ceremony
From A USA Promos dba ImageMaker, Hollywood-inspired t-shirt and soffe shorts
From Siagel Productions in Boston, a delicious Bat Mitzvah “Oscar” cake
Hollywood sweatshirt from thecoolestgiveaways.com
We hope these ideas have given you inspiration for your Hollywood themed Mitzvah!
February 16th, 2011
While at a recent Bar/Bat Mitzvah showcase, Mitzvah Mom Jodi told us about a great Mitzvah Find for bulk socks. We thought we would share!
Eros Hosiery out of the Philadelphia areahas been supplying major chains and independent retailers with socks and hosiery for over 50 years.
They have a great Website and whether you buy bulk or smaller quantities, they offer low wholesale prices and deep discounts. Additionally, purchase their ankle socks for Breast Cancer Awareness and part of the money goes to the charity!
Some of their selection includes: ankle socks, athletic socks, crew socks, fuzzy socks and slipper socks to name a few. They also have a great selection of flip flops and other items at deeply discounted prices. They have been around for 50 years and are a great company that ships orders out within 1-2 days. You can also call them at 215-342-2121.
This just in from an 8th grade Bat Mitzvah going girl.
“The girls don’t really take their shoes off towards the end of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit. We like to keep them on even though our feet hurt. I don’t think you need to buy as many socks if your party is toward the end of the year.”
From the mouths of babes! Good to know…
For more information, visit their Website.
February 16th, 2011
This week’s 53rd Annual Grammy Awards provided great entertainment and music moments inspiring us to want to share with you this Rockin’ Mitzvah in Chicago.
Bar Mitzvah boy Sam, a lover of rock, had his Bar Mitzvah celebration in January. The reception followed that evening at the Hotel Sax with lots of guests, food, dancing and all around good times.
Take a look at how his Mom (not a party planner) incorporated his love of Pink Floyd and the Wailing Wall together for one night…you are going to “Wish You Were Here!” The message is that you don’ t have to spend a lot to make a decor statement!
The pictures were all taken by Jake Poehls of JPP Studios.
The inspiration for these unique seating “records” below came from a friend who just got married and did their seating chart on antique frames using a Sharpie paint pen. Sam and his Mom went to Reckless Records in Chicago and bought an album for each table.
For the table with older aunts they chose a record with Neil Diamond’s “The Jazz Singer,” for the table of little kids (cousins) they selected a record from “The Monkeys“
Vinyl 45’s and candlelight set the mood
Chocolate guitar favors at each place setting
Since Sam is a HUGE Pink Floyd fan and his favorite album is “The Wall,” a designer friend of the family did the above digital design. It was a nice play on words since “The Wall” (Wailing Wall in Jerusalem) has special significance to Jewish people as well
Albums were used as centerpieces
The view from above
We thank JPP Photography for sharing this unique Bar Mitzvah with Mitzvah Market.
February 12th, 2011
We love the name and it’s a great gift idea!
Jodi Rosenthal began her company Framed for Life making custom shadow boxes for family and friends, and almost instantly, the raves began pouring in.
Using a child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitation, Jodi puts together a one-of-a-kind shadow box customized and unique for each child. Framed for Life incorporates a wide range of quality materials and three-dimensional items, with a focus on color, texture, and quality. It’s the one gift they’ll never forget!
See samples below:
A Bar Mitzvah sample
A Bat Mitzvah sample
For more information, visit her Website.
February 5th, 2011
The Goldenberg Family from Manalapan, New Jersey celebrated son Jared’s Bar Mitzvah on October 23, 2010. The reception was held at B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick, New Jersey.
They wanted a high energy, brightly colored, classy party and as you scroll down you will see they accomplished all that and more!
We want to thank the Goldenberg Family for sharing their special day with our Mitzvah Market readers.
Unlimited Exposures captured all the fun. All other vendor information is listed below.
Pictured left clockwise: Bar Mitzvah Boy Jared, Dad David, Mom Laurie and brother Alex.
As guests walked into the service they saw the beautiful invitation created by Especially For You along with custom made service programs, yarmulkes and ladies head coverings.
Great Aunt Linda Rotter made a tallit bag from needlepoint. The corner even has his Hebrew name
Jared wanted an iPod theme for his celebration. Guests knew his theme as soon as they entered the lobby! Michelle Friedman of Spenncilli Designs made iPod cover place cards and decor that looked like the real thing!
Pictures of Jared were on display along with…
Spencilli Designs created iPod sleeve cases that had saying on them like “Now Playing Jared’s Bar Mitzvah.”
Place cards resembling iTune cards were up on a board
Check these out up close! They look like the real thing, and notice the price of $10. 23 (Jared’s Bar Mitzvah date)
Even Jared’s sign-in book (By Dana) was in keeping with the theme!
Here’s Jared wearing his giveaway sweatshirt holding his iTunes sign-in book
Marquis Florals created a brightly colored ballroom for the Goldenberg’s celebration.
The beautiful linens really popped with the centerpieces and napkins
Famous singers, like Jay Z were used as table names and apples were placed in the vases bringing the theme, “Apple…iTunes” to the flowers in a subtle way
The Goldenberg family hanging in the JTunes Lounge
Lighting sets the mood
MC Adam Weitz from A Sharp Productions is warming the kids up before the adults came into the ballroom.
Mom Laurie and Jared enjoying a special dance
Jared being lifted in the chair surrounded by family and friends
A Sharp Productions provided the musical entertainment.
DJ Jared spinning some tunes
Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady entertained the kids!
Jared shows off his Jets hat made by Wendy
Really fun photo favors
Classical Caterers created a Bar Mitzvah cake to carry out the theme: JTunes.
Spencilli Designs created the young guests’ sweatshirt favors with great splashes of color.
Cubbies with each kids name organized and held their favors
Jtunes sweatshirts
For Jared’s Mitzvah Project he collected new and slightly used sports equipment. He was able to use friends, family and his community to collect all the equipment. Then he donated it to a charity called SportsGift.org.
This charity refurbishes the equipment and donates it to underprivileged children all over the world. He chose this project because he love sports and wanted to help children who would never have had the opportunity to play without these donations.
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Jared’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: Bnai Tikvah North Brunswick, NJ
Caterers: Evan, Classical Caterers 732-297-6444
DJ/MC: A Sharp Productions 1-877-34-SHARP
Favors/place cards: Spencilli Designs 732-625-7964
Invitation: Especially for You 732-617-9190
Cake: Classical Caterers
Decor/Florist: Kim, Marquis Florals 732-441-4800
Clothing for family: Boys got their tuxedo’s at Schweon’s 215-357-0600
Mom’s dress: Sterling’s of New Hope 215-862-3444
Photography: Unlimited Exposures 732-617-1588
Entertainer: Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady
Sign In Book: By Dana 732-625-1471
Ladies Headcoverings: Tulle Time 732-834-9766
